Consumed (21 page)

“I have everything taken care of as far as the food, music, and flowers. It’s going to be a magical day.” Her mother gave a sad smile as she set a cup of tea in front of Keegan. “It’s hard to believe my little girl will be tying the knot soon. Seems like just yesterday you were running around in pigtails and getting into mischief.”

“I don’t think that has changed much—other than the pigtails.” Keegan grinned.

“Oh, that’s not true. You’ve grown up a lot. You will continue to blossom.” Her mother reached out and put her small, warm hand on top of hers. “Rourk brings out the best in you.”

“I definitely feel more centered since the bond has returned.”

Thaddeus strolled into the room and sat down next to Keegan, then nonchalantly asked, “How’s Anna?”

“Fine. Why?” Keegan looked at him curiously. She could never tell what her brother was thinking. She knew he worked with Anna to get his bond back so maybe he was just making small talk. But, she always had to wonder if he had seen a vision.

“Just wondering. I know you met up with her last weekend. Didn’t Rourk bring Tommy?”

Keegan narrowed her eyes. “Yes, is there something I should know about Tommy? Anna was quite taken with him, and I don’t want her to get hurt.”

She watched his face intently to see if he would give anything away. His lip twitched as if he wanted to smile, but was fighting the urge.

“Nothing you should know. I haven’t had any visions of Tommy causing any trouble for Anna.”

Keegan crossed her arms and sat back in the chair. She knew her brother was keeping something from her, but she also knew it was useless to bug him. He never gave away anything he didn’t want to.

“I’m just curious how she’s doing learning the craft. She’s a very powerful witch.”

“Oh, well she’s found a couple of witches to practice with. She has gotten stronger.”

Thaddeus stood up and walked to the counter to grab an apple. “Mom, want me to take Warrick out with me?”

“Where are you going?” Emerald asked.

“Just out in the woods for a walk. I think it’s time I start taking him. Quality time.”

“That’s fine, just be careful. Make sure you have your phone on you.”

Thaddeus rolled his eyes at her and scooped up his brother from floor. “Come on, little guy.” He hoisted him on his shoulders causing him to giggle.

“Have fun,” Keegan yelled after them.

Keegan and her mother shared a smile.

Athena sat at the door and whimpered when the door shut behind them.

Chapter 21

R
ourk showed up on Friday, and Keegan was ecstatic to see him. She longed for the day that they would be together every night. Although, she knew that would never be reality. Even after they were married, he would still have to leave for stretches of time because of his work. Once they were both in Washington, it would get easier. They pulled into her parent’s driveway, and Keegan turned towards Rourk.

“Guess what?” She grinned from ear to ear and grabbed him by the arms.

“You found out you have a new power?” Rourk teased.

“Close. I got accepted to the art school in Seattle. I’m changing my major to photography. I’m still going to keep up with my science courses incase I change my mind and want to go back to Biology.”

“Keegan, that’s great news. I’m proud of you.” Rourk leaned over the center console and wrapped his arms around her. “Have you told your parents?”

“Not yet. I keep putting it off. I guess I’ll tell them this weekend.” Truth be told, she was nervous to tell them. She had no idea how they would react.

“I’m sure they will be happy for you.”

“We’ll see…”

“Speaking of parents, my father has been giving me a hard time about not seeing us enough. Do you mind coming to his place tonight for dinner?”

“Of course not. I’m sorry I’m so greedy with my time with you. I didn’t even think about your dad missing you. We should make something to bring over for desert. What’s his favorite?” She loved the idea of cooking something for his father. She was sure he had to be lonely with the house all to himself.

Rourk thought about it for a moment. “I’ve never seen him turn away homemade chocolate chip cookies.”

“Great, that will be easy to make.” Keegan pushed open the door and jumped out of her mom’s Land Rover. She shivered when the cool air hit her face. She was glad they had a weather manipulator on hand. They would be able to turn up the heat a notch for their outdoor wedding.

“What are you smiling at?” Rourk asked.

“Our wedding. I can’t believe we will be married next weekend. It seems too good to be true.” Keegan pushed open the front door and let the warmth of the house seep into her body. Athena ran up, wagging her little stub of a tail. Rourk reached down and picked up the puppy.

“Hot chocolate?” Her mother peeked out of the kitchen.

“Definitely. It got cold early this year.” Keegan hung her jacket on the rack, and Rourk handed off the dog and did the same. She pulled off her winter cap, and her curls bounced out.

“I didn’t notice you cut your hair with it all up in the hat.” Rourk reached up and touched a curl. “It looks cute.”

“I was inspired by Anna’s latest transformation. I’m not quite as daring as her; just went a little shorter.”

“You would look great bald.”

Keegan laughed. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

“What are your plans for the day?” Emerald asked.

Keegan glanced over at Rourk. “Not sure. Tonight, we are going over to Rourk’s house to have dinner with his father. Speaking of fathers, is dad home? I feel like I haven’t seen him in forever.”

“He’s home. He took the boys out to give me some quiet time.”

“Which we are interrupting,” Keegan said apologetically.

“Nonsense. I barely get to see you anymore. Sit down, you two, and tell me what’s going on in your lives. Rourk, how’s work going?” She set a mug of cocoa in front of him, and then took a seat across from Keegan.

“It’s a lot of fun. I can see why Richard stayed in so long. The human military is a great community.” He picked up the mug to take a sip but when the steam hit his face, he decided to let it cool down. “I’m certainly looking forward to getting to Washington and being placed on a team.”

“It’s too bad you guys weren’t going to be stationed closer.” Emerald sighed.

“We’ll be back here before you know it. Rourk doesn’t plan on staying past his contract. Right?” Keegan raised an eyebrow. Of course, she would go anywhere with him, but she missed her home. A few years away wouldn’t be too bad.

“As far as I know, I just serve my term and then come back here to the Army of The Light. Of course, that could change.” Rourk lightly squeezed Keegan’s leg under the table.

“Speaking of changes. I’ve decided to change my major to photography.” She might as well spit it out while it was just her mother, and Rourk was there to back her up.

“Really?” Her mother took a sip of her cocoa and set the mug down. “You’ve always wanted to be a marine biologist. Are you sure you want to make that big switch? You haven’t really given it a try. I could tell how much you loved working at the sanctuary.”

“I’ve been thinking about it for the last couple of months. Photography makes me happy. I can always go back to school later for biology.” Keegan’s shoulders slumped in anticipation of her mother’s criticism over her choice.

“Well, I think it’s a wonderful idea. You are clearly talented, and life is too short to be unhappy.”

“Really?” Keegan’s mouth hung open. “I thought you would tell me it was a ridiculous idea and be upset that I wasted money on school.”

Emerald laughed. “Not at all. It’s your life, you have the right to change your mind if you want to. When I was growing up I wanted to be so many different things. The only reason why I was surprised is because you never wavered on your path until now. Ever since you were old enough to talk, you told me how you wanted to work with Dolphins.”

“Well, now she can take photographs of dolphins.” Rourk smiled over at Keegan.

“I guess you better start working on your scuba license.” Emerald sat back in her seat with the mug between her hands.

Keegan had thought for sure her mother would disapprove of her choice. But once again, she had surprised her. She hoped someday she would be as understanding of a mother.

“Oh, that’s a great idea. Rourk, we should do that once we get to Washington. I’ve always wanted to scuba.”

Richard and the boys walked through the door. Warrick came running up to his mother and held his arms up.

“What’s this I hear about scuba? Did you already get picked up for a scuba team Rourk?” Richard took off his coat and tossed it over the chair. Emerald gave him a disapproving look so he picked it up and put it on the coat rack.

Keegan’s dad was a big, burly man with flame-colored hair and a bushy beard. He looked dangerous because of all his visible scars, but in reality, he was just a teddy bear to those he loved. Keegan gave him a big smile.

“No, Keegan was just saying we should take classes together.”

“That’s a great idea. I’m quite certain you will be picked up for a scuba team. They usually take the most physically fit. Never hurts to get a leg up.”

“I’ll find out soon what team I’m on.”

Emerald moved to the stove and put on some more milk to make cocoa for the rest of them. Keegan loved being at home with her family.

Thaddeus sat down and filled them in on the day. They had been out teaching Warrick about tracking. He already knew the difference between a deer’s print and a dog’s—not too bad for a three-year-old. Richard grabbed a piece of paper and pencil off the counter and drew several different prints. He held it up to show Warrick. The baby walked over, staring at the paper silently for a moment.

“Deer.” He pointed at the correct hoof.

“Dog.” Warrick clapped.

“Bear?” Warrick asked.

Richard picked him up. “You got it. That’s a bear. I think we have another warrior in the family, Emerald.”

“I would hope so.” She handed Warrick a marshmallow, and he struggled to get out of his father’s arms. They all watched as he ran out of the room. It was amazing to see a young elf start to show signs of their powers.

“Emerald, did you tell them about their wedding gift yet?” Richard asked.

“No, I was waiting for you.”

“We were trying to decide on a suitable gift, and your mother came up with a great idea. If you are interested, we’d like to give you the twenty acres around Keegan’s spot. The place where you will be wed.”

Keegan jumped up and ran around the table, throwing her arms around her father. “That’s the best gift ever. Isn’t it, Rourk?”

Rourk smiled. “Thank you. I agree, it’s the perfect gift. We can build Keegan’s dream house there.”

Richard squeezed his daughter back. “Don’t forget—I said it was your mother’s idea.”

Keegan reached over and hugged her mother. “I love you guys.”

“Great. I thought we were rid of her.” Thaddeus smirked.

“Oh hush, you will be out of the house by the time they move back. Take your brother into the play room.” Emerald handed the youngest off to Thaddeus. Thaddeus mumbled under his breath but grabbed his brother and left. The little dog ran behind them.

Rourk opened the truck door for Keegan and the cold air hit her face. She pulled the plate of warm chocolate cookies closer to her body as they hurried up the walkway to Rourk’s father’s house.

Greg opened the door before they got there. “Come in. Get out of the cold.”

Keegan handed him the plate of cookies. Greg peeked under the wrapping and grabbed a cookie. “Mmm, these are great. I have a soft spot for homemade cookies. Rourk’s mother used to make them all the time.”

“Rourk told me they were your favorite. Is that roast I smell? It smells delicious.” Keegan shrugged off her coat and placed it on the coat hanger.

“Yes, it’s pot roast. Rourk had to give me a crash course in cooking before he left for the military. Whoever invented the crock-pot was a genius.” Rourk’s father led them into the living room. Rourk and Keegan sat on the couch while Greg took the seat across from them.

“So, this time next week, you will be my daughter-in-law. I wish Rourk’s mother had been here to see it.” Silence filled the room.

“I would love to have known her. I’m sure she was an amazing woman.” Keegan looked over at Rourk. “My grandmother told me we would use the broom from your wedding.”

Greg stood up. “That’s right. I almost forgot about that tradition. I’ll be right back.” He hurried out of the room.

“Does it bother you to talk about your mother?” Keegan asked quietly.

Rourk shook his head. “It makes me miss her more, but I don’t think that is a bad thing. I wish my father would talk about her more. I was so young when she died.”

Greg walked in the room carrying a large box and set it down on the coffee table. He gingerly opened the wooden box; the hinge creaked. It obviously hadn’t been opened in a while. Rourk and Keegan leaned forward in their seats to get a closer look.

Keegan’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, thank you for sharing this with us.”